Democratic Party Chief Wins Primary in Italy

By

Giada Zampano

Updated Dec. 3, 2012 10:33 a.m. ET

ROME—Democratic Party chief Pier Luigi Bersani defeated rival Matteo Renzi in the final round of political primaries on Sunday, a victory that makes him the center-left movement's candidate for prime minister and positions him as the favorite to succeed Premier Mario Monti in the spring's general elections.

According to counted votes from more than 80% of the polling booths, Mr. Bersani, 61 years old, had garnered 61% of the vote,...